Abstract
There has been an increasing effort to use medicinal plants as alternative pharmaceutical drugs, primarily to improve production in intensive aquaculture systems sustainably. Similarly, the potential of aloe vera (Aloe vera) in aquaculture has recently received much attention due to its biological properties, such as anti-inflammatory, immune stimulating, antioxidant, gut health enhancement, and hepatoprotective. This study reviewed the progress of research on the use of A. vera products in aquaculture, as well as the limitations of existing knowledge and prospects. Many studies have shown that some concentrations of A. vera products (especially less than 2%) significantly increase fish growth and appetite, improve general health, and increase resistance to physiological stressors. However, these findings are insufficient to recommend the use of A. vera products in aquaculture because of toxicological studies and validation of growth and immune-stimulating effects in different fish species, as well as improved research designs incorporating various vital factors, are still required.
This review will encourage the optimisation of various A. vera products in the aquaculture industry, as well as future studies to maximise production and improve fish welfare.
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Gabriel, N.N., Abasubong, K.P., Maulu, S., Rashidian, G., Haihambo, W. (2023). The Potential Benefits of Aloe vera Products in Aquafeed: Current Knowledge and Prospects. In: Gabriel, N.N., Omoregie, E., Abasubong, K.P. (eds) Emerging Sustainable Aquaculture Innovations in Africa. Sustainability Sciences in Asia and Africa(). Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-19-7451-9_6
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